Does Yosemite park allow camping at any location in the back country? I mean if I am backpacking through Tenaya Canyon and I can't make it back to the TH before dark, what's stopping me from setting up my tent and spending the night? Can you get a ticket if a ranger happens to stop by?

I called the Wilderness Office last night and they told me that, unless I camped in a designated site, I would be fined if caught by a ranger. I don't have a problem with that. But let's be realistic for a moment: What are the chances of getting fined if one were to set up a campsite far away from any road, trail, or designated camp site?

You've been told what the rules are and should follow them. They are there for a reason, not just to inconvenience you. Get a permit if you want to do some back country camping. If you want to do car camping, get a campground reservation. Don't try to justify why you think you are above the law. If you don't get caught, that doesn't make your actions right. It's that simple.

I lead a boys group and take them into the backcountry all the time. I'd be setting a bad example if I followed your logic.

Realistically you should think about the big picture.
What if everyone did this? What if a large number of people did this?
Rules aren't there to piss you off.
Get a wilderness permit. There will be one available at some TH.
Hike in a couple miles and pitch your tent. Leave no trace.

bill-e-g wrote:Realistically you should think about the big picture.What if everyone did this? What if a large number of people did this?Rules aren't there to piss you off. Get a wilderness permit. There will be one available at some TH.Hike in a couple miles and pitch your tent. Leave no trace.

Or find a site at one of the first-come-first served campgrounds.

I'm not looking to bypass the rules; I plan to get the permits. Thanks

bill-e-g wrote:Realistically you should think about the big picture.What if everyone did this? What if a large number of people did this?Rules aren't there to piss you off. Get a wilderness permit. There will be one available at some TH.Hike in a couple miles and pitch your tent. Leave no trace.

Or find a site at one of the first-come-first served campgrounds.

Regarding the first-come, first-serve sites, how early should one arrive to get a camp site? I plan on camping at the Porcupine Flat site on the weekend og July 11,12. I intend to arrive at the site's registration desk by 6AM; is that early enough, too early? I don't know...